Saxguy Loc: Plano, TX

Hey gang, I was wondering if anyone had a suggestion on tripods for a trip to Iceland. I have 2 tripods. One is a lightweight Dolica Proline which I have had for several years and it is very compact. The other is a Sirui S-2205-N which I am using with a Sirui K-40X ball head. The Sirui is pretty much a monster for handling weight. The Dolica can handle my weight limits, but I wondered what others had done in their travels to Iceland. My goal is to take some longer exposures with ND filters and of course capture the Northern Lights. I may use an attached speedlight if necessary. The main concern I have is wind and what others found to consider on this trip. Either tripod will be packed as non carry-on due to just the airline bag requirements for size. Thanks for reading.

SteveFranz Loc: Durham, NC

I have a lightweight tripod I've taken to Iceland a half dozen times. Some trips I used it continually, other trips I never took it out of the carry bag. Last year I just used the monopod option.

Wind can be a serious hazard. A couple years ago Hwy 1 Ring Road was closed due to the wind. My wife and I spent about 3-4 hours waiting for it to re-open. (before they shut the road down, I saw several cars that were blown off the road) When you have those kind of winds, a tripod won't help. You know it's gonna be a windy day when you walk out of the hotel and you suitcase levitates.

Typically, at night the winds will generally die down and you can use a light tripod for the northern lights.

Saxguy Loc: Plano, TX

Thanks for that info. Yeah, I hear winds are unpredictable and you have to watch the warnings on them. Thanks for the tips as well. I have some months yet before I go.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

Unless your shooting Northern Lights leave your tripods at home. I have never used one on my tour of Iceland. I only take my Nikon D850 and Nikon 24-120 and Nikon 500mm 5.6.

ksmmike

Hi,
I've never been to Iceland, however, the plan is to visit starting in 3 weeks. I'm taking an FLM tripod, which is pretty sturdy. I am doing a self-drive trip, so carrying a tripod isn't that much of a hardship. I also intend on doing some long exposure photography, hence the need for a tripod, as well as panos and multiple exposures to blend.

I'm leaving the lighter tripod at home because of the potential movement with the wind. I'm sure a lot of it will have to do with the weather as to how much I'll really get to use the tripod, but since it's likely a once in a lifetime trip, I'd rather have it than not.

I will say however, that it really depends on yours shooting style and your subjects. I would think for waterfalls, a tripod will be handy. For birds, and general shooting, not so much.

Mike

SteveFranz Loc: Durham, NC

When they closed the road we were fortunate enough to be near the parking lot of the Skaftafell Park Information Center. That meant access to restrooms during the 3 hour wait. And the staff put out a couple coffee pots. 32 meters per second wind speed converts to 71.58 MPH.

(Download)

BobHartung Loc: Bettendorf, IA

Winds can be a problem or not. I was stationed there for a year in the 1970s (when the International Airport was a US Naval Base), and there were as many dead calm days as windy days. That said, consider a dog leash screw that will allow you to strap your tripod to the ground. You will need a strap attachment for the bottom of your tripod. Something on the order of this.

Saxguy Loc: Plano, TX

Yeah I hear the winds can be an issue and you better heed the warnings.

Ray

Saxguy Loc: Plano, TX

Wind is serious there!

Saxguy Loc: Plano, TX

Thanks Mike,

I plan to do something similar as well as self-drive, once I determine the areas I want to go. I was told be sure you have plenty of gas before you go anywhere on the roads and that wind warnings need to be heeded.

Ray

Saxguy Loc: Plano, TX

Thanks for the information. I have a number of months yet to go (September) to look at what areas I plan to actually visit on my drive so I can make up my mind. I have that same camera body and zoom lens as well.

Ray

Leland22 Loc: Texas

Lots of waterfalls and streams. If you want silky water, take a tripod. Went for 10 days and never had much of a wind problem-early September. Did the whole Ring Road. Wonderful. If touring yourself, Google Maps worked great-better than the Garmin with Iceland maps downloaded. Replaced the phone Sim card at the airport with an Icelandic sim card and bought 5 or 10 gig with it.. Basically a cashless society so make sure you are not being charged fees from your bank for use. I used a Schwab bank card with no charges and exchange rate was whatever it was that day-no up charges. Take toilet paper. Food is expensive since they have to import almost everything but mutton and sea food. Had good internet everywhere-better than the USA in the boondocks. Lots of country churches. Most speak English so that should not be an issue. May want to get "whats app" if using an Iphone or comparable for android to converse back home. Enjoy your trip-it is an awesome country for photography. Nothing in the world like it.

ksmmike

Hi Ray,

Yes, keep the tank as full as possible and never hit the fill the tank option at the pumps. It might put a hold on your credit card for a few days. Always pick an amount of money in gas, even if you can go inside and pay. I've read that or heard it on a video many times. Pick an amount of liters, don't use fill up.

I'm staying overnight in Reykavik the first night then heading off to the northwest for 2 nights. I'm staying near the black church. After that I'm heading to Vik for 2 nights and will be in that area. Then one night farther east before heading back to the Vik area. From there I'll do the golden circle and end up back in Reykavik. So more than half of my time will be in the south coast to Hofn area.

Assuming the weather cooperates somewhat, that's the plan. If you prepay for the hotels (I did for the first night and might do one or two more, though I have reservations for them all) you can check in early. I know since we land very early, I prepaid for the hotel in Reykavik for an early check-in. That way we can wander around the city and not worry about our bags or even grab a nap in the afternoon since we will be traveling all night.

Enjoy the trip. I know I'm looking forward to it.

Mike

Saxguy Loc: Plano, TX

Thanks Mike! Great info for us to have as well. I plan to keep these notes for reference too.

Ray

Saxguy Loc: Plano, TX

Thanks Leland. Excellent information for this. Appreciate it and will add this to my list of things to be aware of. I plan to shoot waterfalls and extended use of ND filters. Data for communication was also a concern of mine to be able to navigate as well. I am adding these notes to our planning. Thanks again. Great info.

Ray